Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

[Dave]

ok, here is my dilemma, I have a 13' afaw beach rod that I love and am just gettin the hang of again, got it last summer from a member here and at first I could cast it a mile, but then something happened in my cast and lost that ability, I was actually throwing my tica's further. Now I am casting the afaw really well again, here is my issue, my local rod builder has told me he has a few people whom are dying to get there hands on it, I would like a rainshadow 1569 but that looks like I will be waiting a while for one, it is in relatively good shape ( currently getting a few guides replaced) that is another story. I repaired the tear in the butt section with new wrap and my rod builder has told me he would do a complete makeover on it if I were to sell it. it is rated 4-6 but can throw a lot more than that, the only thing I dont care for is the tip sensitivity, helps with casting but sometimes too sensitive on rough days on the beach. Question one. What would be a good asking price for it, I know as a blank they go for $280. I could get a rs 1569 for $218. I dont really want to be down a heaver unless I can get a replacement asap. Question two: Is the afaw a fair trade for a rs 1569? I get a lot of mixed reviews on both. Just figured I would post and see what kind of answers i got before i made my decision. Btw, my rod builder has told me I can use a loaner from him till I decided but he has nothing over 10ft, nice firm rods but a little too short for my liking. thanks for your replies.

[ffemtreed]

I am not sure if I would trade but one thing to consider is they don't make the SU1569's anymore. They have a newer blank out called the SUR1569 that is completly different from the 1569 blank we all know.

Another thing to consider is that some of the 1569's like to break for no reason. Maybe this is why they stopped making them. I have heard rumblings they are bringing back the SU1509 black though, so you might want to hold off just a tad.

For some reason it sounds like your rod builder is desperate to get an AFAW blank for someone. I am not sure how well you know that person, but sometimes when people get themselves in a bind they will say and do anything to try and get themselves out of it.

After sitting here typing this, I would just keep the beach rod you have, esp saying that you are casting it well again. No reason to mess around with it. I would be leary of how any custom rod was treated by the previous owner, esp considering it is prone to breaking.

Charkbait is working on a project, I would give him a shout out and see what he is up to before I did anything!

[Dave]

thanks jim, I will probably hold on to it, My builder is not trying to force a sell but just informed me that he knows of a few people whom are interested in it, he has told me he wil l be getting the 1509's again in a few months. but like i said I love the afaw beach just annoyed by the sensitive tip on rough days on the beach, just wanted to see what others would do in the same situation. before long anyway I hope to get into rod building myself, funds are tight at the moment though. thanks again jim.

[Coop]

Dave, I have treid getting the 1569's and even had people contacting me for them, but they are no longer to be found, at least I can't locate them. If your interested, get the mudhole 1502 and trim a few inches off...it will throw 10 and chunk without a problem. I just built 2 without any trimming and does cast 8 and chunk fine, tho, flimsier then the 1569. If your interested, I could build you the MH1502 (just parts only, no labor) and trim a little off the tip to stiffen it up, but it will not cast more then 10 and a chunk. I had the opurtunity to buy a large amount of RS blanks before they made changes and didn't pull the trigger...wish I did.

[kmw21230]

I would keep the AFAW Beach in my opinion there a better group of rods. The AFAW rods are designed by UK rod builders and have more of a parabolic action. I have found you have to allow the rod to load before you hit it. Rushing the cast will decrease your distance. The Rainshadow rods are based off the orignal ALLSTAR blanks (i believe), and are morelike the American type rods. The AFAW will make a "C" shape and the Rainshadow is more like a "J" shape.. Both good rods just very different.

If you're looking for a Sh$tty weather heaver I would look at the 1509 they are built a little beefier than the 1569 and AFAW Beach, The AFAW will throw 10oz but when you put a head on it too you're looking at more like 12-14oz and you've maxed it out.. Just my honest opinion..

I''m not sure i understand the 4-6 rating?

[Dave]

sorry rating is 4-8 my mistake, thinking I will most likely hold on to it for a while, as long as I continue throwing it well. thanks for all your input guys.

[Charkbait]

sold mine quick for $220ish in decent condition. Too soft for me.

If you can wait a couple months the new "delmarva heaver" will be available in limited release.

[Dixie719]

Get a CTS and have at it! My rod builder has a blue or an orange (extremely rare) blank in stock waiting for ya Dave!

[Dave]

sold mine quick for $220ish in decent condition. Too soft for me.

If you can wait a couple months the new "delmarva heaver" will be available in limited release.

might just have to take ya up on that, thanks ben.

[Dave]

Get a CTS and have at it! My rod builder has a blue or an orange (extremely rare) blank in stock waiting for ya Dave!

still deciding what im gonna do, but i will consider it. thanks dixie.